Vet clinic launches free program to help save pets' lives in emergencies

The Edmonton Veterinarian Emergency Clinic is launching a free program aimed at helping pet owners be better prepared to save their furry friend’s life. The pet first aid kid includes a Pet Alert sticker for owners to put on their window - to let first responders know what and how many pets could be in a home during an emergency.

Do you know what to do to save your pet in an emergency?

The Edmonton Veterinarian Emergency Clinic is launching a free program aimed at helping pet owners be better prepared to save their furry friend’s life.

The first aid kit for pet owners includes tips to protect pets in case of emergencies such as a fire or a car crash.

It offers recommended first aid items to have on-hand, common household poisons and a list of important phone numbers.

“We’ve certainly had both police and firefighters bringing in animals that were involved in traumas and accidents and we’re just hoping this will help save lives,” said Dr. John Williamson, with the emergency clinic.

“The last thing we want is for animals to be injured and die.”

The kit also includes a Pet Alert sticker for owners to put on their window, which lets first responders know what kind and how many pets are in the house, so they know to rescue them.

“Over the years we’ve seen all kinds of different situations, oftentimes pet owners will forget about their pets and just try to get out of the house themselves which is the most important thing to get yourself out but if you have a plan for your pet than that’s a good idea and a sticker on the door would help firefighters be aware of pets,” said Capt. Peter Luciw with Edmonton Fire Rescue.

“Having that sticker there gives firefighters the knowledge that there’s a pet inside the home to be aware of.”

The pet first aid kits are free and available at Edmonton Veterinarian Emergency Clinic at 11104 102 Ave.

Emergency Preparedness Week

The launch is part of Emergency Preparedness Week which runs May 5-11.

The city is encouraging residents to be prepared to survive for at least 72 hours without power, water and heat during emergency situations.

Residents are encouraged to keep non-perishable food items, bottled water and flashlights on hand in case of an emergency.

An emergency preparedness awareness event Get Ready in the Park will take place on Saturday at Hawrelak Park.

The event will include more than 25 exhibitors demonstrating and educating Edmontonians on emergency preparedness.

Click here for more information on Get Ready in the Park.